Waiver

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 

If you do not want the Student Health Plan, you must opt-out of coverage by submitting a waiver. You may only opt-out of coverage during the following Waiver Periods:

Fall - 08/01/2025 - 09/16/2025

Spring/Summer - 01/02/2026 - 02/24/2026

International Student Waiver Requirements

UK requires all international students to have qualifying health insurance coverage.  International students are automatically enrolled in the UK Student Health Plan (SHP) when they register for classes.

In rare circumstances, when a student already has qualifying health insurance provided by an employer, government sponsor or exchange agency, they are eligible to provide documentation of their alternate health insurance coverage by applying for an insurance waiver.  When a waiver is approved for a qualifying alternate plan, UK will cancel that student’s eligibility for the SHP for one semester.  Waivers must be completed each semester in order to cancel the SHP charge.

Due to federal regulations, and for your protection, all alternate health insurance must comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) minimum standards for health insurance coverage

Who can apply for a health insurance waiver?

1. Students with health insurance coverage provided by an employer,
2. Students with health insurance coverage provided by a government sponsor, or
3. Exchange students with group coverage provided by the organization coordinating their exchange.

Which waiver applications are approved?

Approved waiver applications must meet all listed requirements, including the following (please see full list for complete waiver requirements):

1. Be received by the posted deadline,
2. Include all requested insurance documents,
3. Provide documentation of medical evacuation and repatriation benefits*, and
4. Show evidence of unlimited coverage for all “essential benefits” outlined in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) standards.

*Medical evacuation and repatriation coverage may be purchased separately if needed.*

Which waiver applications are denied?

Waiver applications will be denied if:

1. Application/documentation is incomplete or late,
2. Coverage is provided through a Travel Insurance plan,
3. Plan is missing any element of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) standards, or
4. Coverage will not be active for the entire semester.

ATTENTION ESL STUDENTS:  English as a Second Language (ESL) students have different insurance enrollment and waiver processes.  Please email [email protected] for assistance.